CVE-2021-25421 in Galaxy Watch3 PlugIn
Summary
by MITRE • 06/11/2021
Improper log management vulnerability in Galaxy Watch3 PlugIn prior to version 2.2.09.21033151 allows attacker with log permissions to leak Wi-Fi password connected to the user smartphone within log.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2021
The vulnerability CVE-2021-25421 represents a critical improper log management flaw discovered in Samsung Galaxy Watch3 Plugin versions prior to 2.2.09.21033151. This security weakness stems from inadequate handling of sensitive information within application logs, creating a significant exposure risk for users of Samsung smartwatch devices. The vulnerability specifically affects the plugin component that facilitates communication between the Galaxy Watch3 and associated smartphone devices, making it particularly concerning given the intimate nature of smartwatch ecosystems and their integration with personal mobile devices.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the plugin's failure to properly sanitize or redact sensitive credentials when generating log entries. When users connect their Galaxy Watch3 to smartphones, the plugin establishes various network connections including Wi-Fi associations that require authentication credentials. These Wi-Fi passwords, which are typically transmitted securely during the connection process, are inadvertently written to log files without adequate protection mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal privileges for exploitation - an attacker with only log access permissions can extract these credentials from the log files, bypassing traditional authentication barriers that would normally protect such sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential leakage, creating potential attack vectors for broader network compromise and lateral movement within user environments. When Wi-Fi passwords are exposed through log files, attackers can gain unauthorized access to the user's home or corporate networks, potentially enabling them to monitor network traffic, access network resources, or launch further attacks against connected devices. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200 (Information Exposure) and CWE-532 (Insertion of Sensitive Information into Log File) categories, demonstrating how poor logging practices can create fundamental security weaknesses. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a technique for Credential Access through log data exploitation, where adversaries leverage information disclosure to obtain authentication credentials.
The exploitation scenario begins with an attacker gaining access to the device's log files through legitimate user permissions or by compromising the device itself. Once access is obtained, the attacker can parse through the log entries to identify and extract Wi-Fi password information that was inadvertently logged during the connection process. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where smartwatch devices may be used to access corporate networks, potentially allowing unauthorized individuals to establish persistent network access. The risk is compounded by the fact that these logs may persist on devices for extended periods, creating long-term exposure windows for the leaked credentials. Organizations should implement comprehensive log management policies that include automatic credential sanitization, regular log file audits, and strict access controls to prevent unauthorized log access and ensure that sensitive information never reaches persistent storage in an unencrypted format.